Italian politics has been rocked by a series of scandals, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government facing growing scrutiny, however, none have been more explosive than the ‘Almasri Case’. This affair exposes troubling ties between the Italian government, migration networks, and oil smuggling, raising urgent questions about transparency and foreign policy motives.
Who is Najeem Osana Almasri Hoabish?
Najeem Osama Almasri Hoabish, head of the Radaa police in Libya, was convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 18 January 2025 for crimes against humanity, including war crimes, torture, oil smuggling, and human trafficking. As the chief operator of the notorious Mitiga prison, he manages Mediterranean immigration routes and oversees atrocities against migrants. Despite his record, Almasri travelled freely in Europe before being arrested in the Italian city of Turin at a football match.
Shockingly, after just 48 hours in custody, the Italian government released him and personally escorted him back to Libya on an Italian state flight, where he was welcomed as a hero. This raises a critical question: why would Meloni, who vowed to prosecute immigrant smugglers globally, facilitate the return of such a figure?
The official explanation of the Italian government cites a procedural error. The Ministry of Justice, led by Carlo Nordio, and the Minister of Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, were allegedly not informed in time to validate the arrest. Piantedosi later justified the expulsion by citing Almasri’s ‘dangerousness‘ – a statement that only fuels more doubts. If he was indeed so dangerous, why release him at all?
A pact between Italy and the Libyan Mafia?
Investigative journalist and anti-mafia writer Roberto Saviano has been at the forefront of exposing contradictions and hidden motives behind Almasri’s release. In an interview with FanPage, he argues that handling the Almasri affair may have been part of an unspoken agreement between the Italian government and Libyan smuggling networks. Italy has long outsourced border control to Libyan militia, relying on them to manage migrant flows. Detaining Almasri could have exposed these secretive agreements, forcing the government to act preemptively to protect its interests.
Saviano notes that Almasri did not flee just anywhere – he sought refuge in Italy, which he seemingly viewed as a ‘safe heaven‘. Reports indicate that German authorities had warned Italy about his arrival, yet the government failed to act. Contrary to Meloni’s claims, the ICC did not issue the arrest warrant only after Almasri entered Italian territory – it had strategically timed it to prevent his escape. However, the Italian government’s inaction facilitated his timely release.
While officials cite procedural errors, the timing and circumstances suggest deeper motives. Saviano argues in an Instagram post that the affair had little to do with migration control and more to do with securing oil interests. Italy’s reliance on Libyan energy makes Almasri, a key player in oil smuggling, too valuable to detain. Acknowledging this reality, Saviano suggests, would expose the government’s dependence on Libyan militias, undermining its anti-trafficker rhetoric while continuing to vilify non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Almasri’s release appears less accidental and suggests a more calculated move to protect economic interests while reinforcing the government’s ‘invasion rhetoric’ against migrants.
Legal consequence and political fallout
Following Almasri’s sudden deportation, the Italian judiciary has investigated possible government misconduct. Public prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi has sent notices of indictment for aiding, abetting, and embezzlement against multiple officials, including Nordio, Piantedosi, and Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano. Giorgia Meloni herself is under scrutiny, though she frames the probe as a politically-motivated attack.
In a controversial video statement, Meloni dismissed the allegations, questioning the ICC’s timing and accusing critics of undermining her government. However, fact-checking by FanPage and Saviano exposed several misleading claims. While Meloni suggested she was formally investigated, she has only received a procedural notification that a complaint had been filed against her, revealing an attempt to manipulate the narrative.
A call for transparency
The Almasri case is more than just a bureaucratic mishap – it exposes the entanglement of Italian migration policy with criminal networks. It raises fundamental questions about the government’s commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and international cooperation. While Meloni cracks down on NGOs rescuing migrants at sea, her government appears to maintain economic and political ties with figures like Almasri.
This case demands accountability. How can a government claiming to be tough on crime allow such a scandal? Why was Almasri free to travel despite his ICC conviction? And most importantly, what secret dealings are being kept from the public?
The Italian people deserve answers. Until then, the Almasri affair will stain the Meloni administration, exposing a paradox at the heart of its migration policy which punishes humanitarian efforts and enables those who exploit human suffering for profit.
